Rio Hondo support for housing-insecure students reached a new milestone this month as the college’s comprehensive approach to addressing student homelessness drew statewide attention. The college has expanded its basic-needs work through its Hope Scholars program, a first-of-its-kind model designed to support students facing homelessness or housing instability with direct, targeted services.
Support for Housing-Insecure Students Expands
College leaders describe rising student homelessness as one of the most serious obstacles to educational progress. In response, Rio Hondo College built a high-engagement system that combines case management, emergency aid, community referrals, and individualized support. Staff members work directly with housing-insecure students to stabilize basic needs so they can remain enrolled and pursue their degrees.
The Hope Scholars model grew from the college’s Student Wellness and Resources division, which developed a coordinated structure that addresses food insecurity, access to temporary shelter, transportation gaps, and connections to long-term housing support. The program seeks to reduce the stressors that most commonly prevent students from completing coursework or participating in campus life.
The college’s approach gained added visibility in November when Dr. Jessica Perea, dean of Student Wellness and Resources and acting executive director of Foundation and College Initiatives, took part in a statewide presentation highlighting the program’s framework. While the presentation showcased the Hope Scholars Toolkit, the core focus remained the work occurring on campus to meet essential student needs.
Leaders Emphasize Commitment to Student Stability
In a statement, President Teresa Dreyfuss said the college remains committed to removing barriers that prevent students from reaching their educational goals. She noted that serving students with dignity and compassion remains central to the mission of the institution. Board President Oscar Valladares said in a statement that the college’s work is reshaping how basic-needs support is addressed statewide.
Rio Hondo’s model stands out because it does not rely on short-term crisis intervention alone. Instead, the program pairs immediate assistance with long-range planning that helps students transition into stable housing. Staff members collaborate with local agencies and community partners to secure resources, and students receive consistent communication until their situations improve.
Looking Ahead
College officials said the need for expanded basic-needs support will continue as housing costs rise across Los Angeles County. Rio Hondo plans to strengthen its wellness and resource programs, using the Hope Scholars framework as its foundation.
More information on student services is available at www.riohondo.edu.
